Robust AI

Principal Safety Systems Engineer

Robust AI · San Carlos, CA
San Carlos, CA $180K–$220K Posted 2026-08-11
Salary
$180K–$220K
Type
Full-time
Experience
10+ yr

About you and this role:
Robust AI is a fast-growing, early-stage startup founded in 2019 by an unsurpassed team of veterans in robotics, AI and business. We are a collaborative group with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, seeking talented individuals who are just as excited about robotics and AI as we are! Help us redefine the very foundation of robotics and build robots that are smart, collaborative, robust, safe, flexible and genuinely autonomous.
As Principal Safety Systems Engineer at Robust AI, you will lead safety strategy for a small, fast-paced team designing and deploying the next generation of warehouse robotic systems. You will own the safety and compliance roadmap end-to-end — setting technical direction, driving decisions independently, and representing safety in front of customers, regulators, and leadership. Working closely with engineering, you'll drive testing, influence design decisions at the architecture level, and manage relationships with outside certification bodies. This role is best suited for someone who has done this before, is comfortable operating with significant autonomy in an early-stage environment, and can pivot effectively as priorities shift. The base pay range for this role is between $180,000 and $220,000, dependent on your skills, qualifications, and experience.

Robust AI fosters a culture of belonging and a shared commitment to equality and equity. Having a diverse set of perspectives is key to ensuring AI and robotics serve the needs of all.

  • Own and drive the safety and compliance roadmap, setting priorities and technical direction

Serve as the subject-matter authority on relevant safety standards across the organization

Lead testing strategy and execution against safety standards, including engagement with external certification bodies

Develop and manage system safety requirements, hazard analyses, and risk assessments

Produce safety case reports and certification documentation, and maintain full traceability of safety requirements

Mentor and guide engineers on safety best practices as the team scales

  • 8+ years in safety systems engineering, preferably in robotics (AMRs), with a track record of owning safety programs independently

Deep proficiency in safety analysis tools (FTA, FMEA, FMEDA, hazard logs)

Excellent problem-solving, cross-functional leadership, communication, and documentation abilities

Experience with AMR safety standards (R15.08, ISO 3691-4, ISO 12100)

Prior experience leading safety certification efforts with external bodies is a strong plus

  • Base pay between $180,000 and $220,000, dependent on your skills, qualifications and experience.

Stock options and huge potential for growth.

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

Flexible vacation and sick leave practices.

Paid parental leave.

$110K — 10th pctl $265K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $200K vs. market median $180K for Engineering roles
+10%
above median
Based on 22,000+ Engineering roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
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